ENVS/OCS 1010

Choosing a topic can be difficult - where do you even start?  Below are some videos and tutorials that will help you to understand the research process and how to settle on a topic for your paper that you can further research.  Remember - be flexible when doing research - the topic you start with may change by the time you write your paper!  

NOTE: These tutorials are only available for currently enrolled LSU students, faculty, and staff.  When attempting to access tutorials from off campus, users will be prompted to login to their myLSU Account.

Video: The Research Process

Developing a Research Focus

Choosing a Topic

Video: How to Narrow Your Topic

The link below will take you to an online research guide about how to use mind mapping to explore and expand your topic. Mind mapping can help you figure out what you already know about a topic and what else you'd like to know. It can also help with figuring out the direction you want to go with your topic and even what your research question might be! 

Narrowing It Down: Mind Mapping 101

Finding background information before writing your lab report is important, especially if you are unfamiliar with the subject area. Background information will give you a stronger foundation and understanding that will help you complete your writing assignments. Reference sources provide background information, which often includes:

• A broad overview of the subject
• Definitions of the topic
• An introduction to key issues
• Names of people who are authorities in the subject field
• Major dates and events
• Keywords and subject-specific vocabulary terms that can be used for database searches
• Bibliographies that lead to additional resources

LSU Libraries has reference sources, such as online encyclopedias, covering many topics in the sciences. Because reference sources provide an overview of the topic, you will feel better prepared to discuss and to write about the topic and the general issues surrounding it after reading them.

Background Research Tips